During this offseason, the Carolina Panthers have made significant moves aimed at securing the future of the franchise, though these actions have left them with limited cap space at the start of mini-camp. With only $6.0 million available, the Panthers rank near the bottom in the NFL in terms of cap space. Following a challenging season where they finished as the worst team in the league, the Panthers needed to bolster their roster to have any hope of competitiveness in 2024. This situation is common for struggling NFL teams, as they often need to invest heavily in free agency to compensate for years of poor drafting.
Butler’s reputation is bolstered by his status as a former fourth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. Despite his impressive physical attributes, such as his height of over 6’5 and a 9.47 RAS score from Iowa State, he has yet to make a significant impact in the NFL. Hakeem Butler, a former player for the Eagles and Cardinals, is currently undergoing a workout with the Panthers. There has been speculation about Stephon Gilmore joining the Panthers, fueled by his high school connection with Jadeveon Clowney. However, the delay in Gilmore’s signing could be attributed to financial constraints and his preference to join closer to the NFL season to avoid excessive strain on his body. As the free agency period progresses, options for veteran additions to the team are diminishing, but there are still players like Carl Lawson, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Markus Golden who could offer valuable contributions. With the Panthers holding the top spot in waiver priority, they have the advantage of acquiring waived players during roster cutdowns. The team may also explore trade opportunities, similar to the acquisition of Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Chiefs, to strengthen their roster. While the Panthers face challenges in the upcoming season, strategic moves can enhance their competitiveness.
